An Alternative to Chinese Take-Out

Looking back over my weekend posts, I saw I had a lot of pleasure food (donuts, waffles, cheese, potatoes) and not much else. So tonight I whipped up some Happy Rice and stir-fried veggies. (If you ever get a craving for Chinese but want to avoid the grease, this is a great alternative).  It’s still tasty, but better for me.

Happy Rice:
1) Slice 5 cloves of garlic. (Slice across the width, not the length, so pieces should be round).
2) Heat 1/4 to 1/2 of olive oil in a medium sauce pan on medium heat for several minutes.
3) Add garlic slices. Shake the pot back and forth so the garlic doesn’t stick.
4) Let sit for 40 seconds or so. Once the garlic becomes the slightest bit brown, add 1 and 1/2 cups of basmati rice.
5) Stir well, then let sit for about 1/2 minute. Repeat this until the rice becomes loses its transparent color and becomes white.
6) Add salt and pepper.
7) Once rice has whitened, add 2 and 1/4 cups of boiling water. (Pour slowly and stand back…the oil might splash a bit).
8) Cover and reduce heat to low. Heat for about 15 minutes, then check on the rice. Once all of the water has been absorbed, it’s ready!

Stir-Fry Veggies
1) Chop vegetables of your choice.
2) In a wok or in a frying pan, add a few tbs of olive oil. Heat on medium for a few minutes.
3) Add veggies. Stir ocassionally.
4) Add salt and pepper once the veggies have achieved the texture you want (either crispy or tender).
5) Remove from heat. Ready to serve.

Fitness:
Day off.

Green heart:
Rather than tossing an empty wine bottle into the recycling bin, I’m saving it to convert it into an olive oil dispenser. We have already have one made from an old wine bottle. You can buy the dispenser piece at any place that sells kitchen ware (i.e. Crate & Barrel) for just a few bucks.